2007 Caterham CSR 260

[craig chima]

Yes, this is the same car that is posted about 10 listings down in this same "for sale" forum. I bought it from Paul Schmitt in Avon (about an hour from me) about a month ago for a couple of reasons. For one, because it was a smoking good deal. Secondly, having owned probably 15 Caterhams and Lotus 7's over the years, I'd always wanted a CSR and the car was local to me. I certainly didn't need the car (who really "needs" a Caterham) as I currently own an extremely nice 5 speed de Dion car with 250bhp 2 liter alloy block BDP Cosworth motor (on carbs).

 

And over the past month I've given the car a ton of serious "loving.". This is not meant to be an indictment of Paul, but he truly enjoyed the car and drove it frequently and didn't spend much time on the "aesthetics" so the car was looking pretty sad and tired when I bought it. So, I've fixed a few of the things that were not working (some of the lights, horn, broken exhaust mount, etc.), have changed all the fluids and filters (new synthetics throughout), flushed and refilled the cooling system, installed a new Odyssey PC 625 battery and given the car a very, very, very thorough "going over.". In addition to that, I have done a front and rear alignment on the car and also done setup (scaling) on the car with a 185# driver. As far as I am concerned, it is 100% mechanically perfect, spot-on and ready to go.. For those who don't know, I have a motorsports prep business that specializes in historic and vintage race cars, many of which are original Lotus 7's, and I have been working on these cars for 25+ years. The frame is absolutely straight and beautiful and the car has never been "tracked" or abused in any way.

Here are a list of some of the features of the car

 

You can go to the other listing for additional details (including pictures) but here are some of the basics:

 

15,000 miles (plus or minus a few - Speedo replaced just before I bought the car)

2.3 liter Cosworth Duratech

0-60 3.1 sec

1315 lbs

260 hp

4 point racing harness

6 speed transmission

Full inboard suspension

Full weather equipment (heater, wind shield etc. soft top, side curtains, etc.)

Cloth seats

AP Racing Brakes

Assembly Completed at Caterham Dealer (Jon in Denver)

Dry Sump

RHD

Rotary Throttle Bodies

Speedo replaced just before I purchased it.

It has a Radar and motion alarm system with pager

 

 

The top and side curtains are in excellent condition and have obviously been used very little. The windows are not yellowed and there are no tears, rips, or mars in the vinyl. There is also the original tool kit and "Soft Bits" tonneau cover that come with the car. The interior is in excellent condition. My critiques of the interior relate to a couple of small imperfections on the transmission tunnel vinyl as shown in one of the pictures. Under the hood is absolutely beautiful and very nicely detailed. My only major critique of the car is the condition of the paint. It is by no means "bad" (probably a 7.5 out of 10), it is simply a matter that there are a number of small stone chips in the front and some scuffing around the drivers "door" area where one would get in and out of the car. But there are no dents or dings anywhere.

 

 

I am now asking $44,500 for this car in order to cover my time and the money spent on it and I don't think you'll ever find another CSR at a comparable price. I would actually be very happy to keep it if someone by chance might be interested in my BDP powered car. That car actually has only 7000 miles, and has leather seats, 5 speed, and is probably in nicer overall condition than the CSR (BRG with yellow stripe). Having driven both cars, I can tell you that it is equally as fast as the CSR and I would need probably $34K out of the BDP powered car (the motor is likely worth close to $20K and has under 500 miles since a complete rebuild from Peter Marcovicci including dyno) but ultimately, I have decided that I am more of an "old school" guy and my preference is to keep the BDP car instead of the CSR and hence selling the CSR. Bottom line is that one has to go and my preference is to sell the CSR and as per above it is absolutely ready to go. Craig Chima, CC Motorsports, chima97@aol.com or 330 807-0742. Akron, OH

 

(additional pix coming soon -- lots of interior and under hood shots). If you want pix "now" (i.e. before I get them posted), or pix of my BDP car, just email me directly at the above address

Edited June 3, 2015 by craig chima

[Kitcat]

This car was also listed here back in 2011. The gentleman Craig bought it from found it here. If you look at the 2011-12 post you see it was listed for $65K, then $55K. Interestingly, the seller then said his family had over $120K in the build (!!!).

Craig: How does this one compare to the super fast Vauxall-engined car you owned a while back (aka:Fastest Caterham in the USA)? Do you notice any handling advantage due to inboard suspension, indep rear and wider footprint, compared to a S3 Caterham?

[Anaximander]

PM Sent.

[craig chima]

Mike, to briefly answer your questions I would say that "speed" is more or less a relative thing. The CSR is very, very fast and plenty fast for 99% of drivers out there. I don't think it is as fast as the alloy block Vauxhall car, primarily because it weighs about 100 pounds more and the Vauxhall motor made close to 300bhp and was 2.3 liters with more torque to boot. But, at 3 seconds to 60 mph, the CSR is stupid fast. And as for handling and comfort it's really hard to beat. It rides more like a modern luxury sports car (supple, comfortable, easy to drive, etc) and yet it still does everything that a traditional Caterham does (ultra quick response, unbelievable handling, brakes, etc). Sort of best of both worlds. If you've had a solid axle car and made the jump to a de Dion car and seen that level of improvement, this is the same kind of jump up in comfort and performance. Maybe that's the best explanation I can offer.

[craig chima]

Car is sold pending receipt of funds. Thanks to those who inquired. Craig

[Blokko]

Aaargh! Can't believe I've missed out on this car twice! I'm sure it is fate and there is some good reason why I shouldn't own a Caterham right now....

 

If the sale falls through for any reason please let me know